Richard E. Marsh

1928--2006

His design changed McDonald's fries

Geneva engineer developed technology for major companies

April 01, 2006|By Joan Giangrasse Kates, Special to the Tribune.

Thirty-some years ago, when McDonald's Corp. was looking for ways to improve its french fries, a call went out to Richard E. "Dick" Marsh, a self-employed engineer known for his innovative product designs.

The longtime Geneva resident went to work developing a computerized system that would consistently produce what family members referred to as "the perfect french fry."

"It had to do with a special timer that also determined temperature control," recalled his wife of 56 years, Ruth. "It's a type of technology that's still used today in thousands of McDonald's restaurants around the world."

Mr. Marsh, 78, of Geneva, the holder of numerous patents and founder of Marsh Products in Batavia, died Friday, March 24, in his home of complications related to various illnesses and a series of strokes.

Born in Chicago, Mr. Marsh grew up in Oak Park, where he graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School. He received bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology before serving in the Air Force from 1954 to 1956.

While assigned to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, he was awarded a Commendation Medal of Merit for work on the Nike Missile System.

During the 1960s, Mr. Marsh served as chief engineer of research and development for Smith Electronics in Cleveland, president of his father's company, Walter F. Marsh and Associates in Chicago, president of MTV Controls in Geneva and director of engineering at Pollack and Skan in Chicago. He also provided technical and management consulting services for Teledyne Pines and other large local companies.

In 1970, Mr. Marsh founded Marsh Products, a product-development company, in the family garage on Old Kirk Road in Geneva. The business, also known as Spectrum Cos., moved into its present address in the former Batavia Dairy Building in 1975 and is now run by other family members.

The company's big break occurred when Oak Brook-based McDonald's Corp. solicited Mr. Marsh's help in improving its french fries. Mr. Marsh's company also developed the first drive-through communication system, drink-dispensing controls, vehicle detection equipment and temperature monitors for McDonald's, family members said.

"He was always coming up with new ideas and better ways of doing things," his wife said. "He'd just look at the world around him and see new possibilities."

Over the years, Mr. Marsh listed Burger King, Coca-Cola, White Castle, Hinckley & Schmitt, Wendy's, Conoco Oil, Shell Oil and Panasonic among his top clients. Family members said these business ties led to the creation of many new products, including water purification systems and clocks.

"Dick was a fascinating guy and one of my first mentors," said Dr. Mark Ibsen, a former employee who is now an emergency room doctor in Helena, Mont. "I was just in high school when I started working for him, helping to develop a filing system for the business. I had so much respect and admiration for him. He was a great motivator, a superb engineer with an incredibly inventive mind."

In addition to his wife, survivors include two sons, Thomas and Douglas; two daughters, Kathlyn Valentine and Wendy; 10 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. April 29 in the First Congregational Church of Geneva, 321 Hamilton St., Geneva.